David Kohnstamm, Chief sustainability officer

David Kohnstamm, Chief sustainability officer

Author: Host Sandra F March 15, 2025 Duration: 33:41


David Kohnstamm is a thermal engineer and the chief sustainability officer and co–founder of Leafcloud, which offers its clients a truly green alternative to energy-hungry traditional data centres. 


David is scathing about the misleading use of the word ‘cloud’ to describe most data centres, since they are not the nebulous things that the word conjures up. The reality is much more solid – huge computers located in large buildings in the middle of an open space, requiring vast amounts of energy, air conditioning and water to cool down the resulting heat.


Despite calling himself an introvert-extrovert nerd David, who is based in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, didn’t dream of becoming an IT entrepreneur. For a number of years he worked as a bicycle mechanic...


Read more and find extra links on the ProGRESS website show notes page here



You might also like to listen to:

Nick Molden, CEO and founder of Emissions Analytics S1 E4

Don Weatherbee, CEO of RegenX Tech S3 E7

Beccy Dickson, co-founder of Branded Bio and eco-entrepreneur S3 E12



About ProGRESS:

Host Sandra Kessell invites guests to discuss their pro- Green, Ethical, Sustainable and Socially responsible careers, courses and activities and asks for real-world insights into the paths and decisions that led to them.


Original content © Sandra Kessell 

Original music © Lyze Kessell


Follow ProGRESS on LinkedIn

Instagram: @progress_green_careers_podcast

Email us: hello [@] mypro-gress.co.uk

Expect revelations, lightbulb moments and an informative listen on ProGRESS, with plenty of insights as guests explain how and why got into their Green, Ethical, Sustainable and Socially Responsible career or course (the GRESS of ProGRESS) with plenty of tips if you want to do the same.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Host Sandra F guides ProGRESS, a podcast built on conversations with people who have chosen to align their work with their principles. This isn't about generic career advice; it's a deep dive into the daily realities of building a life in green, ethical, and socially responsible fields. Each episode features a direct, unscripted talk with someone navigating this landscape-from sustainability consultants and environmental researchers to ethical entrepreneurs and conservationists. You'll also hear from voices shaping our world in less expected ways, including city planners, campaigners, architects, and even a philosopher or a comedian, all offering their unique perspective on what it means to work with purpose. The discussions are grounded in personal experience, covering the challenges, breakthroughs, and practical insights gained from their eclectic paths. Listening to this podcast feels like pulling up a chair to a candid coffee chat with someone who's actively building a career that matters to them, offering genuine inspiration and actionable understanding for anyone curious about where their own skills and values might intersect.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 56

ProGRESS
Podcast Episodes
Nicki Black, fashion and creative director [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
After leaving school and studying fashion design Nicki Black joined a PR firm. She hated it.But a friendly stylist took Nicki under her wing and helped her navigate into the world of fashion shoots. Over the last 20-plus…
Mark Harvey, managing director of Fielden Whisky of England [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:59
Mark Harvey is the managing director of Fielden Whisky of England. Fielden puts emphasis on the heart of its whisky, ancient grains grown on chemical-free land, planted with an under-storey of white clover. Everything st…
Lydia Carrington, sustainability manager, Edgbaston Stadium [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:12
Lydia Carrington works as the sustainability manager for the iconic cricket stadium Edgbaston, which is something of a beacon when it comes to promoting green sporting events. Edgbaston Stadium's commitment to changing i…
Green tips, ethical stories and some of the best bits from Season 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:32
Host Sandra recaps on some of the best bits since the show was launched at the beginning of 2024 and picks out a highlight from each of the 12 guests featured in series 1. She reflects on the amazing insights they've sha…
Sarah Ashworth, researcher developer at University of Manchester [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:45
Sarah Ashworth was the first in her family to go to university after receiving a contextualised offer in recognition of her achievement. She studied pathology and microbiology at Bristol University and remembers the bene…
Duncan Goose, founder of Global Ethics and One Water [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:54
Duncan's career change from advertising and marketing executive to social entrepreneur and charity head was instigated after a life changing six-month world motorbiking trip. He returned to the UK with a vision: selling…
Sanjukta Jitendhar​​​​, architect, Mikhail Riches [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:56
Sanjukta Jitendhar​​​​ is an architect working at Mikhail Riches. In this episode she discusses her professional philosophy and aspirations, and her views on rent affordability and home ownership, particularly for her ge…
Rachel Warren professor of global change and environmental biology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:14
Global climate change scientist Professor Rachel Warren is internationally respected for her research but she could probably walk down any street in any country without people realising the scale and reach of her work. I…
Dr Mark Sumner sustainable fashion lecturer at Leeds University [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:37
Dr Mark Sumner is well placed to share his knowledge and expertise on the podcast, and to offer advice to anyone with a passion for fashion, who wants to ensure they are putting sustainable and ethical practices at the h…